armory Forward Gabriel Martinelli has suggested that despite the quality of performances in North America, the Premier League is more intense than the current World Cup.
brazil international spoke to journalists Ahead of his country's clash with Scotland he was asked to compare the current tournament with life in England, where he has spent the last seven seasons with Arsenal.
Martinelli helped the Gunners win the Premier League title last season and believes English football still sets the standard for intensity. However, he cited the conditions being experienced in the United States, Canada and Mexico as a major factor.
"I don't think so. The Premier League is very intense, but because of the heat the players are not able to reach the same level as in the league," he explained.
"Sometimes players are not used to playing with each other, but I think the Premier League is more intense than this World Cup, also because of the heat and the pitches we are playing on. But it is still a very beautiful World Cup, with quality matches and high intensity."
Martinelli ready to fill Raphinha's absence
Gabriel Martinelli was also asked about his role in the Brazil team after Raphinha suffered a thigh injury.
The Arsenal winger admitted he is most comfortable on the left flank, where he has made much of his reputation under Mikel Arteta. However, he stressed that he is available to play wherever Carlo Ancelotti requires him.
"First of all, we are saddened by what happened to Raphinha and we are praying for his return as soon as possible. We have many quality players in attack."
"I like to play on the left, but at Arsenal I have played a lot on the right. I also played on the right against France under Ancelotti. I will leave it in the hands of the manager. He will decide."
Martinelli later expanded on the differences between the two positions and explained that the role changes depending on the system and the players around him.
"It's very different. Every team has its own way of playing. When I play on the right wing for Arsenal it's completely different to playing on the right wing here. It depends on who is next to me and what formation we are using."
"It's very easy to receive the ball on the right, get to the byline and cross. Or come inside and let the full-backs overlap. It depends on the formation and the player next to me."
His willingness to adapt was perhaps underlined by his most memorable answer from the press conference.
"I said I prefer to play on the left, but two seasons ago I played a lot on the right for Arsenal because Saka was injured. I can do it comfortably."
"If he asks me to play right-back, I'll say, 'Of course, Mister, you can put me there'."
Scotland's warning includes familiar faces
Gabriel Martinelli was also looking forward to Brazil's meeting with Scotland and highlighted several players from English football he knows well.
"It will be a tough game. They have a lot of quality players"He said.“There's McGinn, who we always face at Aston Villa, and Robertson.”
"They will come with everything they have to try to win, but we have been training hard. It will be a great match and I hope we can get the win."
Martinelli was also asked about former Arsenal teammate Kieran Tierney, who is now back in Scotland.
"That's my boy!"He said."When I arrived, if I'm not mistaken he arrived the same year. He is very kind, very polite and very sharp."
"We used to joke about who was faster in training. In my opinion, it was him."
The Arsenal forward said he will continue to support Tierney, although he expects the Scot not to have too much success when the two meet.
"He's great and is doing well with Scotland now. I expect he won't play too well against us, but I always support him."
Arteta and Ancelotti offer different experiences
Gabriel Martinelli was also asked about the challenge of working under both Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti.
The winger admitted that the two managers have very different methods and admitted that he has to adjust mentally every time he joins the national team.
"His style is very different"He said.“I have to turn the keys when I come here, but they are two great managers and I am happy and honored to work with them.”
Martinelli was then asked what he still needs to do to convince Ancelotti that he deserves a place in Brazil's starting eleven.
"I'll leave it at that. It's the manager's decision and the coaching staff's decision."
"I can give my best with Arsenal, helping the team with goals, assists and good performances. Here too, every day in training, I give my maximum and show him that I am ready."
“Whether it's starting the match or coming on in the second half, I'm ready.”
Martinelli talked repeatedly about adaptability, work ethic and putting the team first. Whether he was deployed on the left, right or even in defence, his message remained the same throughout the interaction: he is ready to contribute wherever needed.
